Awards for Excellence in Workplace Literacy, 2004 Winner: Essential Skills: The Dofasco Way

This case study examines Dofasco’s award-winning Essential Skills Program, which was launched in 1997 in order to address gaps in employees’ workplace literacy skills.

The Essential Skills Program is coordinated and guided by an internal workplace team, but the training is outsourced to community organizations. Indeed, Dofasco’s partnership with a broad group of community organizations is a key innovation of the program. Participants at Dofasco have embraced the program because it builds their confidence and enhances their sense of independence. Employee enthusiasm and the support of senior management, supervisors and peers result in positive changes for the employees and the corporation.

Large companies that seek flexibility in their delivery of training will find Dofasco’s experience of engaging community partners, outsourcing training, and granting scheduling independence to business units an efficient means of meeting their changing organizational needs while benefiting employees.